This class contains frigates exchanging firepower for a hanger able to carry fighter squadrons into battle. However, they lack the laser generators for sustained firing and are less agile. These ships have over three times the shielding and the ability to mount weapons that deal heavier damage than a M6 corvette. Stronger missiles are available to this class, too. A ship class less agile than a fighter but with at least twice the shielding and the ability to mount weapons that deal heavier damage. These ships are better shielded and have higher damage than M6 types but are slower. Ships of this class are used for exploration, ferrying equipment, scanning asteroids and drawing heavy enemy fire in an economical manner. General purpose combat ships in between M3 and M5 classes and have can mount the unique weapon types of their creating races. An intermediate between M3 and M4 ships which combines the defense of the M3 and the offense of the M4. A greater range of missile can be mounted to them. These ships have substantially higher durability and firepower but less maneuverable compared to The M4 and M5. Bearing more guns and shields than conventional M3 fighters at the cost of maneuverability. This comes at the cost of low speed and maneuverability combined with a large hit box. These ships deal high sustained damage and have shielding that makes mincemeat of most fighters, corvettes and stations. These flagships are as much of a bane to their enemies as the construction cost is to their owners.

Ships of this class are very slow, heavily shielded and bearing lethal firepower. Ships of this class are able to economically bring large swarms of fighters (or corvettes and bombers in the case of the Aran, Kyoto and Valhalla) into battle while delivering some capital ship grade damage to enemies at a distance.

X3 albion prelude ship size comparison